We want to refresh our home with new flooring. What should we consider?

Updating your flooring is one of the most impactful home renovations you can make. A new floor can transform the look and feel of your space, enhance comfort, and even increase your home’s value. But with so many choices and practical considerations, it pays to plan before you purchase. Here’s a friendly guide to help you think through what matters most when refreshing your floors.

1. Think About Your Lifestyle

Before you fall in love with a flooring style, consider how you live in your space:

• Busy households with kids and pets need durable, scratch-resistant surfaces.
• High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms benefit from hard-wearing materials.
• Allergies or sensitivities? Hard surfaces like wood or tile won’t trap dust like carpet.

Matching your flooring to your lifestyle helps ensure you’ll be happy with it day in and day out.

2. Know Your Options

There are many flooring materials available, each with its own look and performance:

• Hardwood – Timeless and warm, adds resale value, but can be sensitive to
  moisture.
• Laminate – Stylish and affordable, with good scratch resistance.
• Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Water-resistant and durable, great for kitchens and basements.
• Tile – Excellent for wet areas like bathrooms; long-lasting and easy to clean.
• Carpet – Cozy and soft, ideal for bedrooms and family rooms.

Do a little research (and maybe request samples) to see what fits your spaces best.

3. Consider Moisture and Wear

Different rooms have different needs:

• Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements often need water-resistant flooring.
• Kitchens and entryways see spills and heavy foot traffic, so choose something built to handle wear.

If moisture is a concern, look for waterproof or water-resistant options like tile or certain vinyl products.

4. Budgeting Wisely

Flooring cost isn’t just about material price installation, underlayment, removal of old floors, and finishing can add up. Set a realistic budget:

• Be sure to include installation costs in your plan.
• Consider long-term value sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money later with fewer repairs or replacements.

Getting quotes from professionals can help you understand the total investment.

5. Think About Installation

Some floors are easier to install than others:

• Floating floors (like many laminates and vinyl planks) can often be installed quickly over existing floors.
• Hardwood and tile usually require more time and skill.

Decide whether you’ll DIY or hire pros, and make sure you understand the timeline and prep work involved.

6. Match Your Style & Flow

Your new flooring should complement the rest of your home:

• Think about color and texture lighter tones can make spaces feel larger and brighter.
• Consider how the floors will flow from room to room for a cohesive look.

Visual continuity can make your home feel more polished and put together.

7. Durability and Maintenance

Some floors need more upkeep than others:

• Hardwood might need refinishing down the road.
• Carpet may require frequent deep cleaning.
• Tile grout can discolor without regular care.

Factor in maintenance when choosing material the right choice should fit both your aesthetic goals and your willingness to care for it.

Refreshing your floors is a rewarding project that reinvigorates your home. By thinking carefully about how you use your space, setting a realistic budget, and choosing the right materials and installation approach, you’ll love the results for years to come. Ready to step into your new floors? Let the transformation begin!